'Hard Knocks' could have strong options with Sam, Steelers

Hard Knocks film crew documents New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, far right, and David Clowney during a previous season of the show. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

Finding an NFL team to volunteer for HBO’s Hard Knocks is not easy. It’s a high-visibility task few want given the potential repercussions.

Given the challenges of finding participants in recent years, the league implemented criteria last fall that will produce a short list of potential Hard Knocks candidates if no team willingly steps forward.

The conditions that would release teams from being the documentary series’ focus in a given year’s training camp are:

1) Rams: Oprah may no longer be documenting Michael Sam’s entry into the NFL, so why not have Hard Knocks keep tabs on his assimilation both on the field and with his new teammates? Sam’s story will obviously be one of the most closely scrutinized in the league this summer — and reporters will likely be kept at arm’s length much of the time — but the rising Rams would offer other good reasons to tune in. The camera would also love: defensive buddies Chris Long and James Laurinaitis

2) Steelers: They remain among the NFL’s most popular franchises and feature longtime superstars like QB Ben Roethlisberger and S Troy Polamalu as well as one of the league’s sneaky-funny coaches in Mike Tomlin. It is a shame that DE Brett Keisel, who remains a free agent, may not be around for comic relief. The camera would also love: CB Ike Taylor

3) Cardinals: Philosophically, they’re clearly not interested. But this is an ascending team — the only one to beat the champion Seahawks in Seattle last year — that would be fun to meet before the next round of heavyweight NFC West battles begin. WR Larry Fitzgerald is a thoughtful guy, QB Carson Palmer has been down the Hard Knocks path with Cincinnati, CB Patrick Peterson is on the cusp of elite status (if he isn’t already there), and the progress of DB Tyrann Mathieu’s knee rehab would be a compelling subplot. But the best reason to watch the Cards is because the camera would adore folksy head coach Bruce Arians.

4) Bears: QB Jay Cutler and coach Marc Trestman probably won’t provide much flair. But CB Charles Tillman and WR Brandon Marshall are two of the league’s more compelling characters — well-spoken and insightful on issues that go way beyond football. The camera would also love: new DE Jared Allen.

5) Giants: You’d think a team that had won two of the previous seven Super Bowls would be a bit more magnetic. But QB Eli Manning is vanilla. Aside from some semi-regular flare-ups, coach Tom Coughlin probably wouldn’t dole out many sound bytes either. The camera would love: WR Victor Cruz

6) Jaguars: Many metrics rank them the least visible team in the NFL. That’s not to say they’re disliked. The Jags just lack the personalities, track record and prime-time kickoff dates that build relevance. That could all change soon given the job GM Dave Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley are doing, but not this year. The camera would love: Lindsey Dukes (if you don’t know who that is, just Google rookie QB Blake Bortles)

7) Raiders: If only Hard Knocks had been around 40 years ago. Imagine following the rogues who played for John Madden and, later, Tom Flores. Alas, these Raiders lack such swashbucklers. There are enough good quotes on the roster — RB Maurice Jones-Drew, DE Justin Tuck, S Charles Woodson — but it’s a bit hard to get excited about what seems to be a modern day “Over The Hill Gang.” The camera would love: DL Antonio Smith

8) Bills: The most interesting thing about this franchise is its inevitable sale, something that won’t be good TV fodder for (or largely available to) camera crews. The Bills aren’t overflowing with scintillating personalities, either. The camera would love: new LB Brandon Spikes

Admittedly, this list comes with a few grains of salt.

The Rams’ Jeff Fisher, as plugged into the league’s thinking as any coach, said Tuesday that it is “probably unlikely” his team will end up on Hard Knocks.

The New York Post has reported the Giants won’t appear. And various rumors have provided other conflicting accounts of targeted teams.

And then there’s the wild card: Some clubs may actually request to star for HBO even if they already have a “Get out of jail free” card.

ESPN has reported the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, who have declined invitations to appear in past years, might now be ready for the exposure. With the exception of RB Marshawn Lynch, they showed in February that they can handle a few extra microphones and cameramen.

And how many NFL fans wouldn’t want a little bit more Richard Sherman in their lives?